Brookside Gardens, a 50-acre horticulture display garden in Wheaton, Maryland, is hiring an Assistant Director for Production and Display to join our leadership team. We’re looking for someone who shares our passion for connecting people and plants with the goal of creating a healthy environment for all. This position reports to the Director of Brookside Gardens.

The Assistant Director for Production and Display is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Brookside Gardens’ plant production facilities and the conservatories. They lead a staff of 6 experienced horticulturists, as well as part-time staff, interns, and many volunteers. We seek a person who can balance horticultural creativity with good judgment in managing projects, budgets and people, all in a busy public facility that is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Brookside Gardens is beginning a series of capital projects in our Master Plan, including major renovations to existing formal gardens and a new Conservatory. The Assistant Director for Production and Display will play a key role in envisioning the future of our gardens.

With more than 1,000,000 visitors per year, Brookside Gardens is a local, regional, and national attraction for those seeking gardening inspiration and a beautiful escape from the everyday. We welcome applicants who reflect the diversity of our community and can help us become a more inclusive place for staff, volunteers and visitors. To learn more, visit us at www.brooksidegardens.org

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery County Department of Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 420 parks and over 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington DC area. Go to our website to learn more: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

DIVERSITY STATEMENT The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor. We will do what we can to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at 301-495-4525 to request accommodation.

Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

PRODUCTION: Grows high-quality horticultural crops for indoor and outdoor landscape displays according to tight deadlines, including using specialty growing methods and unusual specimens.

DISPLAY: Manages the overall design of conservatory displays for changing seasonal exhibits and dynamic permanent collections of tender tropical plants. Develops interpretive exhibits and stories that connect people to the importance of plants. Demonstrates hands-on skill in horticultural best practices and establishes high standards for meticulous maintenance of conservatory displays.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Works collaboratively with staff to design and implement smaller renovation projects. Supervises the work of contractors for larger projects. Plays a key role in the implementation of the Brookside Gardens Master Plan as a member of the planning team for capital projects, along with other Gardens and Parks staff.

PLANT HEALTH: Uses extensive knowledge of the management of pests and diseases of ornamental plants to implement an IPM program in a public setting.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT: Ensures the smooth operation of the glass house structures and operating systems through regular maintenance, including the conservatories, plant production greenhouses and associated growing facilities.

COMMUNICATIONS: Must be a skilled communicator who represents Brookside Gardens to a variety of audiences in formal and informal settings. Interacts regularly with staff, volunteers, visitors, park and county leadership, and the media.

LEADERSHIP: As a member of Brookside Gardens’ leadership team, has the ability to work collaboratively in a variety of tasks. Acts as a role model and mentor to staff. Effective at prioritizing work, setting goals, and evaluating outcomes.

Important Skills and Characteristics:

• 
  Organized, reliable, punctual and detail oriented.
• A positive, can-do approach, even when under pressure or when working under challenging circumstances.
• A problem-solver with sound judgement who finds creative and timely solutions.
• A person who is dependable and gains the trust of others based on their ability to follow through with commitments and by their tact and discretion.
• A team player who enjoys the inventiveness of collaboration and recognizes that working with people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and values bring strength to the organization.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, instructors, guests and community partners.
• A supportive mentor who helps people grow their skills and thrive within a changing workplace.

1. Bachelor's degree in horticulture or related field; and

2. Four years of progressively responsible professional experience in public gardens, horticulture or closely related field including two years in a supervisory role; or

3. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

4. Valid driver's license.

5. A Maryland State Pesticide Applicator's License may be required within six months of appointment dependent on assigned duties of the incumbent.

Class/Specification: Horticulturist III

Working Conditions:
Works primarily in the office but may also work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Considerable pressure to meet deadlines. Some evening and weekend work required. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, bend, squat, kneel, stand, walk for extended periods of time and navigate uneven grounds and stairs.